TELEGRAM CHARGES.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20283, 18 April 1934, Page 5

TELEGRAM CHARGES.

Dunedin Protest Against ‘ Increase. EFFECTS ON BUSINESS. ‘ Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, April 17. Reporting at a meeting of Dunedin manufacturers to-day on measures that had been taken to have a protest recorded against increased charges for telegrams. the Chairman (Mr James Hoggl said that 90 per cent of telegrams went over 100 miles and rates for these had been increased to 15 2d and 15 3d. In View of the statement of the Postmaster-General that the extra revenue was not required, it was diffi» cult to see why this extra loading should be placed on business houses. If it had been desired to popularise the service, telegrams at 6d could still have been introduced. Mr R_ Duncan said that he understood that telegraphic business had been going back and that the obiect of the move was to increase it. The telephone was pushing telegrams out. Members expressed the opinion that the telephone would not interfere un‘ duly with the telegraph service as the telephone was used extensively only over short distances. At any rate. it was contended. the Government still obtained the revenue. It was decided to confirm the action of the executive in cooperating with the Chamber of Commerce in making a ‘ protest.